cd
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Post by cd on Mar 8, 2019 22:44:43 GMT -7
The Maz 18 MKII Reverb 1x12 LT Combo is calling to me. I've seen the videos and read the reviews; I like the features and sound of the amp. The only concern I have is whether or not it will have the volume and punch/push I'm after. I own both Z-Lux 1x12 and DB4 1x12 combos. Both have the volume and girth I need even when running 1/2 power. That's how I run them 90% of the time. The Z-Lux and DB4 both run 4 power tubes and are 40 and 38 watts respectively though. I wonder how much the bigger iron and quad of tubes add to the volume and overall largeness even while running at 1/2 power vs the Maz Jr which is 18 watts via 2 tubes, and presumably has smaller transformers. I believe all 3 cabs are pretty much the same. Hoping to hear from members who have practical experience with the Z-Lux and or DB4 combos vs the Maz Jr, and can offer a direct comparison. Does the Maz 18 compare favourably against the Z-Lux and DB4 at half power? Thanks, Christian
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2019 7:17:49 GMT -7
I can't speak directly to the Mk II, But I've owned three Maz 18 V1s and they were loud enough to blister your neighbor's wall paint. I don't think you'll have a problem.
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Post by fallingstarsusa on Mar 9, 2019 8:31:08 GMT -7
What Jon said. A Maz18NR 1x12 was my main amp for years until the need for "the lightest Z I could find" and general restlessness sent me to a Cure, but unless you're playing really clean country or jazz on really big stages, I can't imagine a situation in which a Maz 18 1x12 wouldn't be loud and punchy enough.
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Post by Stephen on Mar 9, 2019 9:07:54 GMT -7
I have a Z-Lux Combo and a Maz 18 MKII studio combo. I usually take both to my gigs. I use a Twin City ABY to switch between the two. I have never been in a big enough place to run the Z-Lux at full power. I switch between them based on the song. The Maz always sounds great and keeps up just fine. Honestly, I could just take one and no one would ever know.
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Post by shiner51 on Mar 9, 2019 12:58:16 GMT -7
I have a Z Lux and a Maz 18 NR combo with all the updates. Every time I go out on a gig, I agonize about which amp to take because they both sound incredible and are plenty loud for all my needs. I play in some pretty loud classic rock/ blues bands and volume has never been a problem with either. My Maz breaks up sooner and has more top end chime like a Vox. The Z Lux is fuller on the bottom and sounds more like a Fender. They both sound great with my Teles. If I were doing an all country gig, I would probably take the Maz, all blues or rock probably the Z lux but its really a toss up because they are both great amps. I consider myself blessed to be able to own both, as well as a Z-Plus.
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Post by telejas on Mar 9, 2019 13:02:53 GMT -7
My Maz Jr is every bit as loud as my AC30 I traded for it and it has more headroom to boot. I've yet to play a gig with the master past 11:00 (gain on 11:00 as well).
I had a DB4, that's a loud, stiff amp that just hits you pretty hard. Not sure if it's just perceived volume, due to the extra mids, or actual loudness. But, in saying that, the Maz Jr keeps up just as good in a band setting as my Db4 did....For that matter, it hangs with the Stingray, my old Z-Wreck and RxJr (plus many other Z's).
It has plenty of volume.
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cd
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Post by cd on Mar 9, 2019 14:20:06 GMT -7
Perfect, thanks guys. That's exactly the kind of real world experience I was looking for.
I'm actually planning on selling, or trading in the DB4 in favour of the Maz Jr. The DB4 is a monster, and I like it but I can't justify having all 3. The features of the Maz (master, reverb, boost, loop) are more suited to my playing.
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Post by zpilot on Mar 9, 2019 21:09:21 GMT -7
I would bet that you will wind up using the MAZ 18 at least 90% of the time, and I would win that bet. Sadly, my JAZ (the sibling of the Z-Lux) has mostly remained in its case from the day I bought my MAZ 18.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Mar 10, 2019 4:55:32 GMT -7
+1000. I've never come close to maxing out my Maz 18NR. I've got a Z-Lux, Z-Wreck, Therapy...and if I don't gig the 18 it's not because it isn't loud enough.
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Post by bigben55 on Mar 10, 2019 6:49:15 GMT -7
Or....if you're still worried about possible lack of volume when needed, get a Maz38 with the 1/2 power switch. Done.
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Post by digs57 on Mar 10, 2019 7:44:36 GMT -7
If players are aware and seasoned enough to know volumes you should be alright...only a couple instances were the maz 18 was pushed to both volumes past 3-4...(drummer/bass player dependent).
Aside from that... tone is primary decision...z's are all pretty capable to cover territory needed.
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Post by limenine on Mar 11, 2019 9:54:36 GMT -7
Or....if you're still worried about possible lack of volume when needed, get a Maz38 with the 1/2 power switch. Done. I was going to mention the exact same thing
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cd
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Post by cd on Mar 12, 2019 8:37:37 GMT -7
Or....if you're still worried about possible lack of volume when needed, get a Maz38 with the 1/2 power switch. Done. Or....if you're still worried about possible lack of volume when needed, get a Maz38 with the 1/2 power switch. Done. I was going to mention the exact same thing The Maz 38 doesn't have 1/2 power capability. Full power all the time. Not that big of a deal since it has a master volume. Part of the appeal of the Maz 18 though is that I'll be buying duets of tubes for it instead of quads.
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Post by bigben55 on Mar 12, 2019 9:18:09 GMT -7
I think you can order a new one with a 1/2 power switch, or get it retrofitted onto an older one. MkII mods. Or....if you're still worried about possible lack of volume when needed, get a Maz38 with the 1/2 power switch. Done. I was going to mention the exact same thing The Maz 38 doesn't have 1/2 power capability. Full power all the time. Not that big of a deal since it has a master volume. Part of the appeal of the Maz 18 though is that I'll be buying duets of tubes for it instead of quads.
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Post by Rockerfeller on Mar 12, 2019 9:46:59 GMT -7
I have never played or owned the Maz18, but I've been in a band with another guitar player who played several different versions of the Maz 18. It always sounded killer, but because we have a really loud drummer there were times when it just didn't have enough clean Headroom at the end of the night. He switched to the Therapy for years and now plays a Db4b and he doesn't have any clean Headroom issues with this. I play the ZLux, and I'm typically on full power. But I'm the more clean, to slightly dirty tone in our band.
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Post by limenine on Mar 12, 2019 15:10:19 GMT -7
Just took a look on the Z website to refresh my memory. It seems the 38NR has half power, but the reverb model does not.
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